Spending time in the sun can lead to a variety of issues such as sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer, so as summer comes to an end, it’s important to take a close look at the damage that the sun may have caused to our skin.
Understanding Sun Damage: UVA and UVB Exposure
Sun damage is a common skin concern caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. There are two main types of UV rays. Both can damage the skin but in different ways:
- UVA:
These rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging skin. They can also damage collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its structure and elasticity. - UVB:
UVB rays are associated with short term damage including sunburn, redness and peeling; but they can also contribute to long-term skin damage, including premature aging and skin cancer.
Sun Exposure and the Skin
The sun is the number one cause of premature ageing and excessive exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to a variety of skin problems as well as hastening the signs of ageing:
- Premature lines/wrinkles/creases as UVA and UVB rays can break down the skin’s internal collagen, leading to premature ageing
- Pigmentation problems e.g. age spots, sun spots, liver spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, melasma, patchy discoloration, uneven complexion
- Poor skin texture – dry, leathery, open or enlarged pores
- Rosacea caused by small blood vessels or veins, creating red blotches and bumps
- General dullness, lack of radiance and a host of other skin concerns
Sun Damage Adds Up…
Sun damage can occur even if you don’t go on a hot sunny holiday. In fact, you don’t even need to go outdoors. The sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows. This means that even on a cloudy or overcast day, you can still be exposed to UV rays that can cause damage to your skin.
Additionally, UV rays can also reflect off of surfaces such as water, snow, and sand, leading to increased exposure to harmful rays.
Even you’ve stayed in the UK this summer, the exposure to UVA/UVB rays can still take its toll. Short bursts in the garden or running errands without sunscreen expose unprotected skin to even more damage.
It is important to practice sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, even on days when the sun may not be shining brightly.
Treating Sun Damage
At Mulberry House Clinic & Laser Centre, we offer a range of treatments to help reverse and repair sun damage, so it’s never too late to take action and improve sun damaged skin. Options include:
- Tixel thermal fractional rejuvenation – which uses the heat energy instead of lasers or injections to achieve remarkable results in improving pigmentation problems and boosting collagen production for fresher and smoother looking skin.
- Prescription Skincare for intensive care at home
- Facial Peels to strip away the outer layer and stimulate production of new skin cells
- ResurFX™ laser resurfacing
- Microdermabrasion to reveal fresher, newer skin cells
- Microneedling to stimulate the skin’s own mechanisms
- LED treatment to boost skin health and renewal
- Retinols – watch our video for more information and see Prescription Skincare
Our experienced team of professionals can assess your skin and create a customised treatment plan to address your specific concerns. By taking care of your skin now, you can help prevent future damage and maintain a healthy and youthful appearance. Don’t let sun damage ruin your skin – schedule a consultation with us today to start your journey towards healthier, radiant skin.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 20 years experience. Dr John Tanqueray is a former GP who can assess and diagnose skin conditions from a medical perspective before suggesting the most appropriate treatments.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
